Gwinnett County, GA – A Gwinnett County woman accused of trafficking an enormous quantity of fentanyl will remain in custody after her attorney withdrew a request for bond, according to authorities. The seizure has been described as one of the largest fentanyl busts in Georgia.
Arrest Details and Charges
On July, 34-year-old Celia Lara-Rios was arrested by Auburn Police after being found with nearly 25 kilograms (about 55 pounds) of fentanyl in her vehicle. Prosecutors allege Lara-Rios has connections to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a prominent Mexican drug organization.
According to her arrest warrant, Lara-Rios knowingly possessed more than 24,958 grams of fentanyl. Authorities noted that this amount is enough to potentially kill over 12 million people, as just two milligrams can be fatal.
When she was taken into custody, a child was reportedly present in the vehicle.
Lara-Rios now faces two felony charges:
- Trafficking in morphine, opium, or heroin in excess of 28 grams
- Using a communication facility in the commission of a felony involving controlled substances
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office jail log confirms Lara-Rios is being held on an ICE detainer.
Scope of the Bus
Authorities have described the incident as one of the largest fentanyl seizures in the state of Georgia. While details about the purity of the seized drugs remain unclear, the sheer volume underscores the significant public health and safety risk.
The drugs were found in a vehicle driven by Lara-Rios, who has since had her bond request waived, delaying her next court appearance. No date has been confirmed for her upcoming court proceedings.
Public Safety Concerns
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, can be lethal in extremely small amounts. Experts warn that even trace exposure to the substance can be deadly, making seizures like this critical to preventing mass overdoses.
Law enforcement continues to investigate whether Lara-Rios acted alone and the extent of her connections to organized drug trafficking networks.
Next Steps in the Case
Celia Lara-Rios will remain in custody pending further court hearings. Investigators are reviewing evidence and coordinating with federal agencies due to the potential international ties of the alleged trafficking operation.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant about the dangers of fentanyl and report suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.
What do you think about this seizure and the ongoing fentanyl crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
